Kigali, Rwanda – April 29, 2025

Dr. Alexis Kayiranga, a distinguished contributor to the Center for Environmental and Natural Resources Studies (CENRS), is set to graduate with a Doctorate in Environmental Science this summer from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IUE, CAS).

Throughout his doctoral studies, Dr. Kayiranga has published numerous influential papers and contributed to cutting-edge environmental science, with his work addressing critical issues such as soil biodiversity, heavy metal pollution, and urban environmental health.

Some of his key publications include:

1. Kayiranga, A., A. Isabwe, H. Yao, H. Shangguan, J. L. K. Coulibaly, M. Breed, and X. Sun. 2024. Distribution patterns of soil bacteria, fungi, and protists emerge from distinct assembly processes across sub communities. Ecol. Evol. 14, e11672.
2. Kayiranga, A., Z. Li, A. Isabwe, X. Ke, C. H. Simbi, B. E. Ifon, H. Yao, B. Wang, and X. Sun. 2023. The Effects of Heavy Metal Pollution on Collembola in Urban Soils and Associated Recovery Using Biochar Remediation: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 20, 3077.
3. Kayiranga, A., Z. Luo, J. C. Ndayishimiye, F. Nkinahamira, E. Cyubahiro, T. Habumugisha, C. Yan, J. Guo, Z. Zhen, A. Tuyishimire, and H. D. Izabayo. 2021. Insights into thallium adsorption onto the soil, bamboo-derived biochar, and biochar amended soil in Pomelo orchard. Biochar 3, 315–328.
4. Coulibaly, J. L. K., X. Gong, Y. Shao, H. Shangguan, Kayiranga, A, I. Koné, Y. Cai, and X. Sun. 2025. Urban greenspaces reduce the community specialization of soil nematodes. Geoderma 453, 117139.

In addition to his research, Dr. Kayiranga has actively participated in various scientific workshops and international symposiums, including the International Symposium on Urban Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (February 2025) and the Sino-Russia International Symposium on Urban Biodiversity and Ecological Functions (June 2024). He has also contributed significantly to mentoring students and advancing collaborative research projects, both within China and internationally.

As he prepares to graduate this summer, Dr. Kayiranga is poised to continue his research into urban ecosystem sustainability. His ongoing projects include studies on how urban flooding disrupts soil fauna communities and a global meta-analysis of the impacts of flooding on terrestrial invertebrate communities.

Quotes from Dr. Alexis Kayiranga:

“My research aims to bridge the gap between environmental science and urban development. I am deeply committed to understanding how we can manage urban ecosystems to promote biodiversity while mitigating the effects of rapid urbanization.”

Dr. Kayiranga’s work promises to inspire future generations of environmental scientists and contribute to sustainable solutions for the environmental challenges facing urban areas today.

About the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Urban Environment (IUE) is a leading research institution dedicated to addressing the environmental challenges posed by urbanization. Its research focuses on sustainable urban development, urban biodiversity, and environmental protection, aiming to create a balance between urban growth and environmental preservation.

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